Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 146392 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 732(@200wpm)___ 586(@250wpm)___ 488(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 146392 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 732(@200wpm)___ 586(@250wpm)___ 488(@300wpm)
The Hideout was a club. It might not be freaking Sanctum, but it was a club. “So it’s not like she doesn’t know I’m a top.”
“And what does Lou do? Because I’ve heard she doesn’t play a lot.”
“Sometimes she’ll scene with a Dom if I’ve cleared him, but that’s always for demo purposes. I would never let…”
His mom pointed his way as though he’d made her point. Which he had. “There it is. There is your possessive little shit coming out. You would never let what, TJ? Don’t lie to me because we both know the truth.”
“I would never let one get close to her,” he admitted.
“Why?”
“Because I’m a possessive shit.”
His mom nodded. “Yes, and now it’s time to make that work for her instead of against her. Look, I love Louisa. I want her in my family for so many reasons, but the number one reason is she fills something inside you no one else can, and I don’t think they ever will. But I’m worried you’re on your last chance with her. She’s dating.”
He couldn’t possibly forget that fact. “Yes, fucking Dennis Sims. I saved her from him once. I can finish the job this time. That fucker will think twice once I’ve paid him a visit.”
“Yeah, that’s probably not going to work, but I’m sure you’ll try.”
He didn’t see why not. “I’ve scared them all off when I’ve needed to. Damn. See, that sounds better in my head than it does when I say it out loud. I didn’t mean to hurt Lou.”
“And she didn’t mean to hurt you. I know everyone dumps this on you, but she didn’t fight for you either. She accepted what you were willing to give her, and likely for the same reasons. But she’s not in the same space you’re in, and that’s a problem. She’s convinced herself you don’t want her.”
“I think I’ve proven I want her. Uncle Ian knows. I don’t see why Lou wouldn’t.”
“History has taught her something different,” his mom said. “Like it did for me. Hey, babe, I think it’s time you took over.”
His father strode into the room, a big smile on his face. His father had been through so much, but he could still smile and let his happiness infuse the world around him.
TJ’s heart squeezed when his dad leaned over and kissed his mom.
They had been—were—such great parents. He should have learned how to be in a relationship from them. Everything he wanted was what they had. It was there in the easy way they loved each other, but there was something deep and dark about their love, and fuck all, he wanted that too.
He wanted his wife to look at him the way his mom looked at his dad.
Wife? He wanted Lou. Only Lou.
How was it so clear now?
Maybe this was a trauma response, but damn it, he was going to make that trauma his bitch and ride that fucker right into the relationship he wanted.
His mom stood and smiled up at his dad for a moment. “Can you take it from here, babe?”
“You think he’s ready? I don’t want to put Lou through the wringer if this is all about adrenaline. Maybe we should give him a couple of days,” his father said.
In a couple of days, Lou might decide to give that fucker Dennis a shot at getting in her granny panties. He was the only one getting inside those cotton atrocities. The pussy that hid behind the voluminous fabric belonged to him, and it was time to let her know. “I’m not waiting. I don’t care why the revelation has happened. I only care that I’m in love with Lou, and I need to remind her that we were always supposed to be together.”
“Okay, then we should talk about how to handle a skittish woman. I think I remember most of it,” his father said, sliding into the seat his mother had vacated. “I definitely remember how Boomer got her mom. I think the key with Lou is going to be a whole lot of manly wiles. Have you heard the term male cleavage?”
His mom made a vomiting sound. “See, this is where I leave you, baby boy. I’m happy to have you back. Listen to your dad. He knows what he’s talking about. I’m going to go and make fun of your uncle. But, TJ, we have some serious things to talk about in that debrief. We need to figure out what they want from you because until we solve this mystery, you’re both in danger. They’ll know they can get to you through Lou. And they’ll know I can still kill a man with the strength of my thighs.”
“I wish I didn’t know that,” he replied with a shake of his head.
“Hey, I’ll want to see some of that strength later, baby.” His dad winked up at her.